Please be sure to provide your Name and Sac State ID# when contacting the Financial Aid Office.

Applying for Aid

Q: How do I apply for financial aid?

The first step in the process of applying for aid is to complete the Financial Aid Application for the applicable academic year. Be sure that you are completing the application for the semesters in which you are applying for aid. A new FAFSA is required for each academic year you apply for aid.

The application opens on Oct. 1st, each year, and students are encouraged to file by the priority deadline to qualify for state funding.

The U.S. Department of Education announced that the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be made available to all students on or before Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024.

• The 2024-2025 application will include Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025.
• The 2025-2026 application will include Fall 2024, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026.

Complete your Financial Aid Application before the March 2nd, 2025, Priority Filing Date. Be sure to include our school code: 001150

• U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen: FAFSA Application
• Non–U.S. Citizen (AB 540) or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): DREAM Application

Q: What is your school code?

001150

Q: What types of financial aid awards are available?

There are grants, loans and scholarships available. 

• Grants are funds that do not require repayment and are from federal and state funds.
• Loans are borrowed monies that require repayment.
• Scholarships are similar to grants but awarded by a third party.

Documentation Submission

There are three options for submitting financial aid documents! It’s important to include your name and student ID number on all physical forms. Use a coversheet when provided and sign all areas that require a pen-to-paper signature. Never email your documents due to sensitive data.

Q: How do I submit financial aid documents?

1. ONLINE: Upload documents securely using your My Sac State account (RECOMMENDED). You can find the link to upload documents under the Financial Aid Links section.
Note: Compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge web browsers. This is the best and fastest option for the office to receive your documents.

2. IN-PERSON: Use the document dropbox located outside the Student Service Center, Lassen Hall 1000, near the main entrance.

3. POSTAL MAIL:
Attention: Financial Aid and Scholarships
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819-6044

Q: I have submitted my forms and it’s still on my ToDo list?

Allow five (5) business days for the status of your document to change from “Initiated” to “Received” in your Student Center > ToDo List. Documents will remain on your ToDo List in “Received” status as it is pending review by the office. Note: Incomplete documents (i.e., illegibility, missing information or signatures) will remain in “Initiated” status and will require a resubmission.

Check the document status on your ToDo list by selecting the “more” link.

ToDo List Statuses:

• Initiated: Item(s) requires action by the student
• Received: Item(s) received by the office and pending review.

Q: How long does it take to process my documents? 

Allow 4-6 weeks for processing upon receipt of ALL requested documents by the Financial Aid office. Processing timelines may increase as the semester approaches. Note: Processed documents will no longer be listed on your ToDo List.

All financial aid forms can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.

Q: I am having issues with the CCE information request form, how do I submit it?

If you encounter issues submitting the form from your ToDo list, please be sure you are using another browser other than Internet Explorer such as Firefox or Chrome.

To add classes to the form for the Fall and Spring semesters you will need to be sure to fill in all five sections marked with an asterisk on the form: 

• Semester – click in the box to access the drop-down box to select the semester
• Course ID
• Number of units
• Start Date
• End Date

Once all five sections are completed, you will be able to click the add button to add each class for the Fall and Spring semesters. If you are unsure of your classes, please contact your program coordinator at CCE for assistance. If you are not enrolling in a program through CCE, please contact the Admissions Office to verify the program you listed when applying to Sacramento State. There is a separate application required for Summer and will be available to complete on your Student Center in mid-April.

Financial Aid Verification

The U.S. Department of Education picks some students at random, and if you’re chosen, you will be asked to prove the info on your application is correct. You may need to submit extra documents, but don’t worry – it’s normal and doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. It’s just to make sure everything’s accurate. Sometimes, you may get selected by the school or students can self-initiate this verification process. The end goal is to make sure you get the correct and maximum amount of aid.

Q: Do I have to submit documents for my financial aid file?

Students who are required to submit documentation will be informed with items on their Student Center > ToDo List. Check your student account to determine what may be needed.

Q: Why is the Financial Aid office asking for information on my financial aid application?

If your financial aid application is selected for Verification, a process that requires the office to confirm the information reported on your application, check your Student Center > ToDo List for any required documents that need to be submitted.

Q: What tax documents do I need?

Refer to your Student Center > ToDo List for further instructions. Use our Resource Videos for further assistance.

Q: How do I check if my verification documents have been received?

The status of your financial aid documents can be checked at any time within your Student Center ToDo list. You can expand the list by selecting the “more” link. Within the ToDo list, you can view additional information such as the department requesting items, the documents requested, and a description of each, as well as the status of each item.

Any item marked “Initiated” is being requested from you. Once you submit documents they will be updated within five (5) business days to say “Received,” which means that it is with our office and waiting to be processed.

For the Financial Aid Office to move forward with your file, all documents/items requested by the Financial Aid Office must be in a “Received” status. After all the items say “Received,” you should allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

Financial Aid Awards

Q: How do I apply for financial aid?

File your Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) or Dream Act Application and apply for admission to your degree program.

Q: Why are there no financial aid offers in my Student Center?

Most likely, you have outstanding tasks to complete. Check your Student Center > ToDo List and Holds. Details and instructions will be listed in those areas.

Note: New students are typically awarded in June. Continuing students are typically awarded after spring grade review, in July. Be sure to act on any Holds or ToDos ahead of time. Always check your My Sac State account regularly.

Q: How do I access my financial aid offer?

You will receive an award notification in your student email once financial aid has been offered to you. This will occur after your financial aid application has been received and all documents have been processed by our office. Offers will be posted on your Student Center > Accept/Decline Award link for the academic year.

Use the “View Financial Aid” link to see the breakdown of your awards per semester.

Note: New students are typically awarded in June. Continuing students are typically awarded after spring grade review, in July.

Q: How do I accept/decline my financial aid offers?

Once you are notified of your financial aid offers, you should have access to accept/decline the offers on your Student Center > Finances Section > Accept/Decline award link. If awarded grants and/or scholarships, they will already reflect “accepted” on your award letter.

Remember, loans are borrowed funds and will require you to take action. They will not be automatically accepted on your behalf.

Q: I submitted the CCE information request form but I have changed the classes that I will enroll in. How do I notify the Financial Aid Office of this change?

Financial aid is offered based on the CCE information request form submitted to the Financial Aid Office. Any time you make a change to your enrollment from the previously submitted CCE information request form, you will need to notify the Financial Aid Office in one of two ways: 

• Submit a revised CCE information request form. The form can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
• Update the units on your Student Center when you click the “Accept/Decline” awards link and be registered in the same number of units 

Enrollment is reviewed again at Census for the semester and if enrollment differs then what your financial aid is based on, an adjustment would be done at that time. 

Revised award notifications for change in units are processed within three weeks once the Financial Aid Office is notified through a revised CCE information request form, updated units on your Student Center or after the Census for the semester. 

Q: Am I required to be full-time to qualify for aid?

No, the minimum eligibility is part-time (6 units undergrad/ 4 units post-bacc). Please note that your award amounts will adjust to match the part-time enrollment.

Q: How do I reinstate or increase my loan offer?

Use the current Change in Aid e-form located on the Student Service Center Form’s page. Select the e-form that is applicable to the current aid year. Allow up to three weeks for processing upon submission.

Direct Loan Requirements

For student borrowers: Complete federal student loan requirements such as Entrance Counseling, Master Promissory Note, and Exit Counseling.

For parent PLUS borrowers: Complete their federal PLUS loan requirements such as Applying for the PLUS Loan, Master Promissory Note, and more.

Enroll in classes by Census

Be sure to enroll in all classes for the semester by Census!

Eligibility for financial aid is determined based on your enrolled units as of the Census date. Census is the point at which the University finalizes and locks your enrollment for the semester. Any courses added after the Census will not be considered when determining your aid eligibility for that semester. You can find the Census dates for the Fall and Spring semesters on the Academic Calendar.

Financial aid is initially offered based on the information you submit through the CCE information request form. At Census, your enrollment is reviewed, and if it differs from what was previously submitted on the form, your financial aid will be adjusted accordingly. If your enrollment changes, you must notify the Financial Aid Office in one of two ways:

• Submit a revised CCE information request form
• Update your units in your Student Center under the “Accept/Decline” awards link and ensure you are registered for the same number of units.

Financial Aid Holds

You can review more information about holds by clicking the “details” link under the Holds section. This information will display which department placed the hold and if there is any action required from you. Financial aid holds are semester-specific and do not prevent registration in classes. 

Common financial aid holds you may see on your file may include:         

• Financial aid hold — (Pending CCE Enrollment Verification) This hold is placed on the account and will remain until all your classes have started for the semester. No action is required from you as this is done based on your enrollment.     
• Financial Aid Disbursement Minimum indicator — you have been offered financial aid but are not enrolled in the minimum required units for disbursement to be made. Once you have enrolled in the minimum units required, this indicator will be removed from your file up to 48 hours after registration.
• Hold Middle-Class Scholarship — The hold placed by the Financial Aid Office is for the Middle-Class Scholarship and is listed on all Sac State students who have been awarded the Middle-Class Scholarship. Final enrollment verification is provided to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) at Census when the University locks enrollment. Once all of your classes have started for the semester, the award will be disbursed.

Disbursement and Refund

Q: When will I receive my financial aid disbursement?

Students enrolled in programs through the College of Continuing Education (CCE) have financial aid disbursed based on when they begin attending certain enrollment for each type of financial aid (grants vs loans). Since classes begin at different times throughout the semester rather than all at the beginning of the semester, each student’s disbursement is dependent on when they reach the required minimum units.

• Direct loans can be disbursed once enrolled and in attendance for at least half-time (6 units) for the semester.
• Grants will disburse once enrolled and attending ALL classes or at least twelve (12) units for the semester.

At the time you reach the minimum attendance for the semester, your financial aid will disburse to your account; there is nothing you need to do.

Q: How do disbursement and refunds work?

Disbursement is the process by which the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office authorizes payment of aid. Not all aid programs may be available for full disbursement at one time, and as a result, you may receive multiple disbursements of aid. 

After the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office disburses your aid, the Bursar’s Office then begins the application of your aid to any debt and if applicable, the refund process.

Refund is the process of any remaining funds after the Bursar’s Office has applied your disbursed aid to your university debt. If you have remaining financial funds after the debt has been satisfied for the semester, the Bursar’s Office will process the remaining funds as a refund.

Q: How will I receive my financial aid refund?

Any excess aid after all school fees are paid will be issued to the student. There are two refund methods offered:

• Paper-check (default method) occurs within five to seven days of the posted disbursement date to the current address on file. Take into consideration additional mailing time.

  • Parent PLUS loan refunds are issued via a paper check to the parent borrower, direct deposit is not offered.
• Direct deposit occurs within two to three business days from the posted transaction date. The student must be signed up for eRefund to receive a direct deposit.

Q: How do I know if my financial aid disbursement occurred?

Log into your Account Activity page located on the Student Center > Finances section to identify if a disbursement occurred and/or if a refund is issued. 

It is your responsibility to submit all requested financial aid documents and clear any disbursement holds to ensure timely disbursement of aid. 

1. To confirm if a disbursement occurred, identify the financial Aid programs (i.e., Federal Pell Grant, Cal Grant, etc.) transaction item(s) and amounts the listed line-by-line.
2. To confirm if a refund is issued, identify the transaction item that states “Financial Aid Refunds” with the listed amount for the applicable semester. From the “Posted Date,” you can determine when you will receive financial Aid based on your refund method.

Q: What can I use my financial aid refund for?

Financial aid is a resource to assist with educational expenses which include but are not limited to books, supplies, food, housing, transportation, etc. The school does not require receipts for proof of purchases.

Q: My financial aid did not cover all the charges on my student account.

If your financial aid does not cover the total charges on your account, you will be responsible for the remaining balance. You are encouraged to work with Enrollment Services and Credit Registration (ESCR) for payment options at CredReg@csus.edu. To discuss your financial aid options, connect with CCE financial aid at ccefinancialaid@csus.edu. Be sure to include your Student ID!

Financial Aid for the Summer semester

The following conditions apply for summer aid:

• Must be a current student (new students starting Fall 2025 are not eligible)
• Must have a 2024-2025 FAFSA completed
• Must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Must be enrolled in at least six (6) units for undergraduate or four (4) units for graduate

Awards for Summer are based on remaining financial aid eligibility not used in the prior Fall 2024 and/or Spring 2025 semesters at any college. To qualify for most types of aid you must be enrolled at least half-time (6 units undergraduate, 4 units graduate)

The Financial Aid & Scholarships department must first determine whether students are meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) after the end of the Spring semester. This occurs after final grades and end-of-term processes are complete. To get an idea of what financial aid you may qualify for, you can always view your Student Aid Report by logging in to studentaid.gov. 

View our FAQs for Summer on our website. 

Find answers to your financial aid questions by visiting Financial Aid TV.

Winter Intersession

Financial Aid will not cover Winter Intersession classes, as this term does not meet the minimum federal definition for a term for financial aid purposes to allow for a disbursement of aid.  

Appeals

All information for appeals can be found on the Financial Aid Office website. You can find the form to submit an appeal on the Financial Aid Office forms page.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) are academic standards that must be met and maintained by all students who apply for financial aid. Students are measured by three criteria and all three criteria must be met to maintain financial aid.

1. Overall Degree Progress
2. Minimum Cumulative GPA
3. Satisfactory Pace Standard

At Sacramento State, we measure SAP for all students on an annual basis. This is typically completed in early June after spring grades are posted and all students’ academic records are updated for the academic year. Students who do not meet the three criteria measured may submit an appeal for reconsideration of aid.

Q: What if I do not meet SAP?

If you do not meet SAP, you are ineligible to receive financial aid (i.e., federal/state funds, including student loans). If you are eligible to file an appeal, it will be listed on your ToDo List.

Q: What is an SAP appeal?

A SAP appeal is composed of two parts: (1) an online appeal, and (2) documents to support your reason(s). In some cases, students may have to submit an academic plan (if instructed). The appeal gives students the opportunity for aid reconsideration. If eligible to file, it will be listed on your Student Center > ToDo List in “initiated” status.

Note: The SAP appeal is not mandatory and there is no impact on registration or enrollment status if a student chooses not to file.

Q: How do I file a SAP appeal?

If eligible, a link to the SAP Appeal will appear on your Student Center > ToDo List in late June (after your SAP status is determined). The appeal will be an electronic form with specific questions for you to address. Documents to support your answers should be uploaded through your Student Center for a complete appeal.

Review the SAP Appeal Checklist PDF to learn how to submit a complete appeal.

Q: What should I include in my SAP appeal?

SAP Over Unit Disqualification: You did not pass SAP due to attempting coursework that is more than 150% of the minimum units required for a degree program.

A complete Over Unit SAP Appeal must include: The SAP Appeal, SAP Appeal documentation and an Official Academic Plan. Your appeal should explain all coursework attempted that does not apply to your current degree program.

SAP GPA (Grade Point Average): You did not pass SAP based on cumulative GPA (Undergrad, 2.0 GPA/ Post-bacc, 3.0 GPA).

A complete GPA SAP Appeal must include the SAP Appeal and SAP Appeal documentation. Your appeal should explain coursework where earned grades affected the GPA per the university catalog.

Consider the following grades that affect GPA: “A” – “D,” “F,” “WU.” Grades with no effect on the GPA: “CR,” “NC,” “I,” “RP,” “W,” “RD.”

SAP Unit (Current Percentage Earned) = You did not pass SAP based on not successfully completing 67% of units attempted, in the previous academic year attended

A complete Unit SAP Appeal must include the SAP Appeal and SAP Appeal documentation. Your appeal should explain coursework where non-passing grades affected 67% of completion.

Consider the following grades that are considered non-passing: “F,” “I,” “NC,” “W,” and “WU.”

Q: Do I need to provide supporting documentation for my SAP appeal?

Most extenuating circumstances should be documented. If you are unable to provide documentation, submit an additional signed statement to thoroughly address your situation and clarify why there are no supporting documents.

Q: What type of supporting documentation can I submit?

Supporting documentation should address the timeline of the incident and your involvement that caused you not to meet the SAP standards. Suggested documents can include but are not limited to third-party letters from other person(s) or professionals who can attest to your extenuating circumstance should be submitted. Example: documentation supporting an auto accident.

Q: Why are there semesters that I did not receive aid counted against me?

Federal regulations require the review of all students the same for attempted and earned coursework during their degree progress even during the periods where aid was not used so determining aid eligibility will be equitable for all.

Q: My SAP appeal was approved for fall but what about Spring?

If your appeal was approved in the fall semester, you will be placed on SAP Probation for that semester. To receive your spring financial aid, you must pass SAP Probation standards from coursework attempted in the fall.

Q: What happens if I had a SAP appeal approved in the fall but I did not meet the fall SAP grade check?

If you fail the fall grade check, your spring aid will be canceled and a hold will be placed on your account. If you are eligible for a secondary appeal, you will be notified through your My Sac State.

Q: My SAP appeal was approved for fall but I plan to attend in spring instead, will I still get aid?

If your appeal was approved in the fall semester but you plan to attend in the spring instead (of the same academic year), inform the Financial Aid Office in writing using the current Change in Aid eform to have your awards adjusted.

Q: What is the deadline to submit a SAP appeal?

• Fall 2024 appeal/document deadline: Sept. 13, 2024
• Spring 2025 appeal/document deadline: Feb. 7, 2025

Refer to the complete list of SAP FAQ’s for details. Watch the Satisfactory Academic Progress | What is SAP? How to Appeal to learn more!

Consortium Agreement

The Consortium Agreement allows undergraduate students to consider courses taken at a school other than Sac State, and have those courses count toward the degree at the home school. Units enrolled at another school and approved under the Consortium Agreement will be combined with the units at the home campus (Sac State) for consideration of federal aid programs.

General Requirements

Consortium agreements are available on a semester-by-semester basis (Summer and Winter Sessions excluded). Courses taken at another institution must apply toward your degree at Sacramento State. Eligibility criteria for a consortium agreement at Sac State are as follows:   

• A completed financial aid file
• Must be enrolled in at least half-time at Sacramento State (waitlist not counted)   
• Coursework must be degree-applicable and transferrable   
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards   

Visit the Financial Aid Office website to learn more about Consortium Agreements.

What is the deadline to submit a Consortium Agreement?

• Fall 2024: September 27, 2024
• Spring 2025: February 14, 2025

Loss of Income

The initial review of the 2024-2025 financial aid application is based on the 2022 tax year (the required tax year to be reported). If there is a change in the income year 2023 or 2024, the student may submit the Loss of Income appeal starting in July. 

The outcome of the appeal may or may not change your financial aid eligibility. You MUST determine how to cover your expenses (i.e., tuition, housing, books, etc.) regardless of your intent to submit an appeal or wait for the results. Processing time is about six weeks and students will be notified of the results of their appeal to their CSUS email.

General Requirements

The student must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards (SAP) and will need to submit the Loss of Income appeal for 2024-2025 along with third-party documentation that will verify the appeal reason. If you and/or your family’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is currently $0, then there is no need to file an appeal as you already qualified for the maximum need-based aid.

Visit the Financial Aid Office website for more information on submitting a Loss of Income Appeal.

What is the deadline to submit a Loss of Income appeal?

• Fall 2024 semester only: Nov. 8, 2024
• Academic Year/Spring 2025: March 7, 2025

Withdrawing from a Course

Withdrawing from courses after the first day of instruction may cause students to incur partial fees and/or to repay certain types of financial aid. Prorated fees are charged from the first day of the semester until the day of the drop — through 60% of the semester — regardless of when the student enrolled, or when the course began. Click here to view how withdrawing impacts Financial Aid.